Rory Butcher reflects on BTCC season

The Kirkcaldy racing driver finished fifth in the overall standings – the same position as last year – in a season during which he drove a new car for the first time, a Ford Focus ST.

Reflecting on the season, he said: “That’s two years in a row I’ve finished fifth in the standings.

"It’s been a strong campaign and we’ve accomplished so much with the new Ford Focus ST.

"That being said, I did have higher expectations for myself coming into the start of the season.”

In the final race at Brands Hatch, drivers had to deal with heavy rain in conditions Butcher says were challenging.

"The rain and slick conditions caused a number of the top runners to have excursions through the gravel, including myself,” he said.

"It was really tricky to complete a lap on the limit and Tom Ingram narrowly pipped me.

“Despite losing top spot, we were set up for a strong Sunday.

“In race one I ended up settling for fourth place, while in race two we faced the worst conditions of a damp or drying track

"I dropped to 20th place but recovered to a solid 10th. Our fortunes changed when 12th place was chosen from the hat, which meant I’d start third for the final race of the day.I stretched out a solid gap, taking my third victory.”

He added: “There is no better way to end a season than with a win.”